
RO 23m Wadi Anaar Dam opens in Salalah
SALALAH: The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources on Sunday celebrated the opening of Wadi Anaar Dam in the Wilayat of Salalah, Governorate of Dhofar. The project, which cost about RO 23 million, is in pursuit of the ministry's ongoing efforts to enhance protection against flood risks.
The opening ceremony was held under the auspices of Dr Mahad bin Said Baowain, Minister of Labour. It was attended by government officials and representatives of private sector establishments.
The project also seeks to promote water security, notably by capturing the great volume of water that results from heavy rains in adjoining mountains and precipitates downwards towards Salalah Port, Raysut Industrial City and Salalah Free Zone.
RO 23m Wadi Anaar Dam opens in Salalah
To ensure the dam's safety during emergencies, the ministry implemented advanced technologies, including the use of smart monitoring systems that assess water levels in the lake.
In addition, the project will be supplied with seismic sensors to track any sudden geological activity. In addition, surveillance cameras will be in place to provide comprehensive coverage of all the sections of the dam.
The dam is also equipped with automatic control gates that regulate water flow as needed.
The gates can be operated remotely through a secure central system and other apparatus integrated with a central control room, from which data is received and analysed in real-time. — ONA

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Observer
2 days ago
- Observer
Oman strengthens food security through model farm programme
Dhank: More than 250 farms in Al Dhahirah Governorate have benefited from the Commercial Model Fields Program, an initiative launched by the Ministry of Agricultural, Fisheries and Water Resources in 2020 to promote sustainable agriculture and strengthen food security across the Sultanate, according to a report by Oman Daily. As part of the program, over 9,000 tissue-cultured date palm saplings and 6,000 high-quality fruit tree seedlings have been distributed to farmers across the governorate, covering more than 140 acres of cultivated land. The initiative supports economic-scale farms in all three wilayats of Al Dhahirah, helping them adopt modern irrigation systems and apply advanced agricultural practices. The program aims to improve productivity, raise the quality of local produce, and increase farmers' income through the cultivation of carefully selected fruit varieties, including mango, Eureka lemon, Omani lime, guava, fig, and grapes. It also encourages a shift toward water-efficient farming methods by requiring the installation of modern irrigation systems as a condition for support. According to the General Directorate of Agricultural Wealth and Water Resources in Al Dhahirah, the model farms serve as living examples of what sustainable and profitable agriculture can look like when guided by structured planning, smart technology, and continuous field support. The ministry works closely with farmers to provide technical guidance, regular follow-ups, and field inspections. This hands-on approach ensures that farms not only meet production targets but also operate efficiently and sustainably in the long term. Though currently focused on Al Dhahirah, the program extends to other governorates as part of Oman's broader agricultural development strategy. Officials emphasize that the ultimate goal is to enhance food security, reduce reliance on imports, and equip local farmers with the tools needed to compete in a modern agricultural landscape. By integrating best practices with practical support, the Model Fields Program is reshaping the farming sector—field by field—toward a more resilient, productive, and food-secure Oman.


Observer
3 days ago
- Observer
OQGN awards RO 105m gas pipeline contract
BUSINESS REPORTER MUSCAT, JUNE 18 OQ Gas Networks SAOG (OQGN), the owner and operator of Oman's gas transportation system, has announced the award of a contract worth RO 105 million for the implementation of the Second Loop Line Fahud-Suhar project – a key initiative to boost the country's gas supply network. In a filing to the Omani bourse on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, OQGN – part of OQ Group – said the contract, covering the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) of the 193km 42-inch pipeline project, was awarded to the Petroleum Projects Company Petrojet and Partners LLC. Also as part of the project execution strategy, a related contract for the supply of 193 kilometers of line pipe was awarded to Jindal Saw Limited. The planned execution duration of the project is 24 months. 'The project aligns with the company's growth strategy and vision in leading the energy infrastructure,' OQGN added.


Muscat Daily
3 days ago
- Muscat Daily
Smart farming, model farms to raise Oman's grape output
Mudhaibi – A special academic session – held during the 2025 Grape Festival in Mudhaibi, North Sharqiyah – called for adoption of artificial intelligence and smart farming methods for better yields of grapes in the sultanate. The Agricultural Challenges Resolution and Investment Development Lab also recommended creation of e-marketing platforms to help farmers reach wider markets. The lab, which concluded on Tuesday, made recommendations aimed at strengthening grape cultivation and advancing the agricultural sector, officials informed. The session brought together experts and academics from the Ministry of Agricultural, Fisheries and Water Resources, along with representatives from other government bodies. Among the proposals was the allocation of at least 100 acres of investment land in the first phase for grape cultivation in regions with a competitive advantage. Papers presented during the lab encouraged the private sector to play a larger role in financing and promoting Omani agricultural products. Dr Abdulaziz bin Ali al Mashikhi, Director General of Agricultural Fisheries and Water Resources in North Sharqiyah, described the lab as an important outcome of the festival, covering topics such as improving grape varieties, pruning and harvesting methods, investment, marketing and technology use. Four main presentations were shared – the ministry outlined investment opportunities; the Development Bank presented available funding options; Oman Agriculture Development Company highlighted marketing services; and the Omani Agricultural Society's North Sharqiyah branch discussed smart agriculture and future plans. The festival also saw the launch of a 'Model Farms' project, adding 100 acres to the existing area under grape cultivation. The total area now stands at 127 acres, with an expected output of 635 tonnes and an economic return estimated at more than RO1mn. Six new international grape varieties were introduced to improve the quality, shelf life and market competitiveness of Omani grapes.